Rush Limbaugh on Friday said the Obama administration’s new immigration policy is proof that the president is in “full panic mode” about the upcoming election.

“The regime today told the border agents: ‘If you catch young illegals, let ‘em go and grant ‘em work permits.’ No more deportation of illegal immigrants. They are to be given work permits and they can stay in the country,” Limbaugh said, according to a transcript of his show. “So what this is, is ‘Catch, Release, Vote.’”

The conservative radio host added, “The president is in full panic mode. He’s not keeping his powder dry until the fall.”

The criticism came in response to the Obama administration’s announcement today that it will halt the deportation of undocumented immigrants under the age of 30 who came to the U.S. before the age of 16 and have clean criminal records.

Limbaugh also warned Friday that the new policy would hurt the country’s already weak economic recovery.

“What’s it going to do for those of you trying to get work to learn that 800,000 new illegals are in the job market who will work cheaper than you do?” he said. “And what’s next is home mortgages and student loans. Those are the next two things that are gonna fall. They’ll throw it all up against the wall. You watch.”

He added, “This is what happens, folks, when you have statist, dictatorial types who are in full panic mode. Who needs Congress?”